Avoid Partisan Lecturers As Returning Officers – ADC Tells INEC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to avoid appointing lecturers perceived to be partisan as returning officers in the 2027 general elections.

The party’s position comes amid growing concerns over the political involvement of some academics ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly following reports that lecturers from public universities in Northern Nigeria have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

The ADC argued that returning officers occupy a sensitive position in the electoral process and must be seen as neutral, independent and above partisan interests.

The party warned that appointing individuals who have openly expressed support for a particular presidential candidate or political party could undermine public confidence in the credibility of election results.

The development also comes against the backdrop of criticism from opposition figures over the reported endorsement of Tinubu by university lecturers. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly criticised the move, while his supporters have questioned whether academics who openly campaign for a candidate should participate in administering the election.

The ADC urged INEC to thoroughly screen prospective returning officers and other election officials for political affiliations and publicly expressed partisan commitments before deployment.

According to the party, electoral officials must not only be impartial but must also appear impartial to voters and participating political parties.

The controversy is likely to intensify as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, with political parties already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a closely contested presidential race.